I Hate Networking (But Here’s Why I Still Do It)

Let me be clear from the start: I hate networking.

Not in a “haha, I hate Mondays” kind of way. I mean, viscerally. The awkward intros. The performative small talk. The subtle competition of who can sound more impressive in thirty seconds. It all makes my skin crawl.

And yet—I still network. Regularly. Intentionally. And sometimes, even… successfully.

Here’s why.

For years, I told myself I could rely on talent, hard work, and a solid CV to open doors. And to some degree, that’s true. But the reality is, so many of the best opportunities in life and work come through people. Through conversations, chance encounters, and unexpected recommendations. Through someone saying, “Oh, I know someone who’d be perfect for that.”

It took me a while to learn this, and even longer to accept that “networking” doesn’t have to look like those nightmare conference mixers or LinkedIn cold pitches. In fact, it shouldn’t.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building relationships.

And relationships, the meaningful ones at least, are built on trust, curiosity, and shared values—not forced smiles or transactional thinking.

These days, I approach it differently:

• I show up with curiosity, not an agenda.

• I try to offer something of value, even if it’s just a genuine compliment or a listening ear.

• I look for alignment, not advantage.

And slowly but surely, those connections add up. Not in a “who’s who” contact list kind of way, but in real people who I can learn from, collaborate with, and support in return.

So no, I don’t love networking. But I’ve come to respect it—and even be grateful for it.

If you’re someone who dreads the idea of “putting yourself out there,” take this as permission to reframe it. Don’t network like a robot. Connect like a human. That’s where the real magic happens.

P.S. If you’re also on a journey to build authentic connections in your career or creative life, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s swap notes.

#NetworkingForIntroverts #AuthenticConnections #CareerAdvice #CreativeCommunity #ProfessionalGrowth